Boise Priest Instructed to Not Celebrate Public Mass, Seek Counseling

(BOISE, Idaho) -- The Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise has told retired Rev. Joseph A. Muha not to engage in public mass in the wake of allegations of misconduct facing the 77-year-old priest.

According to the Idaho Statesman, the diocese is currently investigating complaints filed against Muha in June and has encouraged him to seek counseling in the meantime.

A spokesman for the diocese, Michael Brown, told the Statesman that the Diocesan Review Board found no evidence Muha engaged in sexual misconduct involving a minor.

Neither the board nor Muha provided further details regarding the matter.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Suspect Reportedly Admitted to Killing Uncle

(COEUR d'ALENE, Idaho) – At a preliminary hearing in district court on Monday, an Idaho State Police Officer testified that a 28-year-old woman admitted in a videotaped interview to killing her uncle in May.

Melissa R. Bates is accused of fatally shooting and burning the body of 43-year-old Robert D. Marek at his home on May 15. The motive for the killing is unknown, although Marek's friend, Ernest Flodine, testified that he was present during an argument in which Marek threatened to shoot Bates between the eyes.

According to the Coeur d’Alene Press, Det. Paul Berger was one of seven witnesses called to testify before Magistrate Patrick McFadden, who determined that there was enough evidence for Bates to stand trial.

A trial date has not been set.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

I-90 Crash Leaves One Dead

(COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho) -- One person was killed in a vehicular accident in Coeur d'Alene on Monday.

The crash reportedly occurred shortly before 3 p.m. on the westbound side of Interstate 90 near milepost 7. Authorities say a semi truck and an SUV were involved in a collision which sent the semi crashing down an embankment, through a fence, and into some trees. The truck's driver, Nikolay Kvasha, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the SUV was treated for injuries at the scene.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

FBI Most Wanted Fugitive Pleads Not Guilty to Triple-Murder Charges

(BOISE, Idaho) -- A former member of the FBI's Most Wanted List entered a plea of not guilty Monday in connection with the killing of a woman and her two children in 2002.

Prosecutors allege Jorge Orozco murdered and set fire to his girlfriend, Rebecca Ramirez of Treasure Valley, and her two kids in the desert south of Mountain Home in July 2002. The FBI listed Orozco as one of its most wanted fugitives after he fled Idaho days after allegedly committing the murders. Authorities say he took refuge in Mexico for years until his arrest in 2009.

Officials say the death penalty was waived by authorities in accordance with the extradition treaty between Mexico and the United States.

Orozco, who faces life in prison if convicted of the killings, is scheduled to appear before a jury when his trial begins Feb. 6, 2012.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Missing Meridian Couple Found Dead in National Forest

(MERIDIAN, Idaho) -- A missing Meridian couple was found dead in the Boise National Forest, according to ABC affiliate KIVI-TV.

Campers alerted the Boise County Sheriff's Department after finding the bodies of Charles Rigg, 81, and Barbara Rigg, 77, on Friday. The two had been missing since July 30.

The Riggs are believed to have crashed their van on the way to a family picnic. There are no signs of foul play.

An investigation is ongoing.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio